Asthma is a common condition in which the airways of the lungs are very sensitive. When the asthma sufferer is exposed to certain trigger factors, the muscles of the airways tighten up, the lining of the airways gets inflamed and swollen, and excess mucus is produced, all of which cause the air passage to narrow and which in turn causes difficulty in breathing and a reduced flow of air into and out of the lungs. Symptoms of asthma can include one or more of the following: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. Symptoms are often worse early in the day (for example, early morning or just after waking). Triggers (things that set off an asthma attack or mkae a person's asthma worse) may include: inhaled allergens (for example, house dust mites, pollen, molds, animal hair); colds or influenza; exercise; cigarette smoke; certain chemicals/strong smells; certain medications; certain foods, food preservatives, flavorings and colorings; and emotion, stress or anxiety. At present the cause of asthma is not known and there is no cure. However, with medication and lifestyle management, asthma can be managed and in many cases normal, active lives can be led.

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